Closed for the Season, aka Burned Out

Image from daveelmore on flickr.
This is how I feel! LOL. So, time for some relaxation and real family time.

After filling countless wholesale orders and doing 11 shows since September, I need a break. Brett and I have worked our poor fingers to the bone. But I must say it was all worth it. Lots of connections were made ie: possible NPR online selling for Mother's Day, a few boutiques and galleries in Pittsburgh and New Orleans, and the Alt Craft section of the American Craft Council's Baltimore show is just around the corner in February! We are in pretty good shape going into the new year.

Thank you all out there for your support. I appreciate each and every customer and the network of friends who have helped me this year. The Baltimore Etsy Team totally kicked ass this year, you guys are amazing!

Happy Holidays and have a great New Year!

Baltimore's Last Craft Show of the Year, School 33 Art Center

Head over to School 33 Art Center on Dec. 21 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for Last Minute Maul. More than 20 local artists and crafters will be there, plus food and live music. The event includes works by Sweet Pepita, Biggs and Featherbelle, Sugar Paperie, Shiny Happy Things, Jaime Zollars, Pink Kiss Pottery and many more. Visit the School 33 Web site for a vendor list and more details. I personally will not be there, but I'll be cheering on all of my fellow burned out crafters!

Team Coverage, Baltimore Craft Feature

Our team is featured today on Etsy's blog! Profiles on a bunch of us and cool portraits from around the city, check it out!

Make Your Own Virtual Snowflakes

I love cutting paper snowflakes this time of year. I found this site one day while researching how to make them. I thought I would share this great site with all of you!

BEST's Last Trunk Show of the Year!

Shop local and get a last chance to purchase from BEST members at one of our favorite boutiques, doubledutch. There will be sweet treats to eat while you browse the wares. And when you make a purchase from a BEST member, you'll be entered in a drawing to win a $50 gift certificate to doubledutch! Give it as a gift, or treat yourself. Stop by this Sunday, December 14th, from 11am - 5pm.

We'll see you there!doubledutch is located at 3616 Falls Rd, Baltimore, Maryland 21211, just off the Avenue.[ Map / Directions ]

Chocolate Raindeer Cookies, Fun and Delicious Holiday Recipe!

My daughter made these with our wonderful caregiver yesterday! They were so cute and tastey, I thought I'd share;)

Ingredients
1 cup butter, softened
1-1/2 cups sugar
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
3-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
72 small pretzel twists
72 candy-coated milk chocolate pieces
36 small red gum drops

Directions
In a large mixing bowl beat butter with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add sugar, cocoa powder, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. Beat until combined, scraping sides of bowl occasionally. Beat in eggs and vanilla until combined. Beat in as much of the flour as you can with the mixer. Using a wooden spoon, stir in any remaining flour.
Divide dough into 6 equal portions. Wrap portions in waxed paper or plastic wrap. Chill for 3 hours or until dough is easy to handle.
On a lightly floured surface, roll each dough portion into a circle 6 inches in diameter. Using a knife, cut each circle into 6 wedges. Place wedges 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet.
For antlers, on each triangle lightly press a pretzel into the upper corners. Press in chocolate pieces for eyes. For a nose, press a red gumdrop into the dough triangle about 1/2 inch from the point.
Bake in a 375 degree F oven for 7 to 9 minutes or until edges are firm. Do not overbake. Cool on cookie sheet for 1 minute. Transfer cookies to a wire rack; cool. Makes 36 cookies.

Green Giftwrapping Workshop

Step out of the cold and settle into bluehouse this Friday evening! Local craftsperson Shannon Delanoy, creator of Sweet Pepita children's clothing, will lead a fun & informative hands-on workshop on eco-friendly ways to wrap gifts using repurposed fabric & paper.Admission is free. Enjoy complimentary mulled cider & receive one-night-only discounts on selected merchandise.Supplies are provided but we encourage you to help out by bringing your own scissors & old t-shirts or other scrap fabric. This workshop will be held in The Café at bluehouseFriday, December 12, 2008 from 7:00pm - 8:00pm 1407 Fleet St., Baltimore, MD

Little Girl's Tree

Made with swirling beaded garland and berries, lots of decorations. Punctured paper, foot prints and silly valentine hearts left over from last year. We did collaborate a little, but she told me what she wanted me to draw -some of the leaves...

Such vision! I love it! LOL.

Merry Mart Holiday Sopping this Weekend!

No manic mall madness necessary! Do your holiday shopping at The Creative Alliance! 35 + handpicked artists sell some the best of Baltimore-made items.

Gorgeous turned vessels, elegant jewelry, whimsical stuffed critters, origami lights, felt applique, hand knits, housemade soaps, wacky fly swatters, photos in jars, totally cool totes, and much more.Artists:Dina Alexander Art Jewelry, The Broken Plate Pendant Co., SPAGHETTI KISS, Daedalus Books & Music, Sweet Pepita, Megin Diamond Designs, this chickadee, danamarie hosler & greenstarstudio, Dandelion Blu Jewelry, Bowerbox Press, Devin Mack, MackWire, Jennyjen42, Nancy Ziegenfus-McIntosh, The Littlest Bean, Linda Moul, Rebecca Patterson Baked at 275*, PINK KISS POTTERY, Jill Popowich Designs in Metal, Tu Vida Jewelry & Design, heidiroland - daring earrings!, Elisa Shere Jewelry, Baltimore Glass Works, City Neighbors Charter School , Sugar Paperie, Mark Supik & Co., Stephney Wallace, Yummy & Company...and many more!

See you there!

Baltimore Skyline, for the Citydweller

My sister sent me some Baltimore City and Chesapeake Bay Inspired items for this Holiday selling season. One of a kind items, limited supply! Get them while they are here;)

See you at Merry Mart this weekend!

Baltimore Magazine Shops Local!

Check out the December issue of Baltimore Magazine for full features on the movers and shakers in Charm City's Indie Craft community. Pick up a copy today for a full list of neighboorhood shops and websites that all support the local Baltimore economy. Happy holiday shopping;)